This is the third year in a row that we’ve had the opportunity to review the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc and after reviewing this wine on multiple occasions, a few things have become evident.
First of all, it’s clear that Veramonte consistently makes a really good sauvignon blanc. They’ve become my “go to” brand for SB.
Second, Casablanca Valley is a world class cool climate region. It’s generally cooler than California but warmer than Marlborough, New Zealand. Some may say it’s the best of both worlds. Warm enough to bring the fruit to full ripeness, yet cool enough to preserve the acidity. The wine that these conditions create has a flavor profile some describe as between New Zealand and California — which is right where I want it to be. However, I would more accurately describe it as better than New Zealand and California.
Finally, it’s become evident that vintage does make a difference. I’ve been beating on this drum for years, but heard others try to say the vintage doesn’t matter in inexpensive wines. I disagree. I always want to know the vintage of the juice in the bottle. In the case of Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, while it has been consistently good we’ve seen some variation from one vintage to the next. While some vintages are good, others are outstanding! And 2010 is an example of outstanding.
I tasted this wine blind in a lineup of Californian and Chilean sauvignon blanc. The Veramonte stood out from the others as something really special. In fact, it blew me away!
Wowee, this is a nice sauvignon blanc! It has great intensity on the nose. The aromas are complex and beautiful, with a bit of peach, some melon, lime juice, cut grass and flint. And all of that is perfectly balanced. The palate is full of ripe fruit, with peach, apple and citrus flavors. The acidity is near perfect. It finishes with a salted green apple and peach flavor, with reasonable length. This is an exceptional sauvignon blanc. I would say it’s the best vintage yet for Veramonte and perhaps the best sauvignon blanc I’ve ever tasted.
Wine: Veramonte
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 92
Price: $12.00
Find Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.